Chapter 362: The Fiery Ascension in Mo City

The chains clashed and sparked, as if flames were dancing in the air.

On the pavement of Mo City’s dark, brick-laid streets, cracks began to appear—splits born from the sheer force that burst through, slicing apart the stone.

Boom! His heart thundered, a mighty beat that felt like ancient deities wielding mythic hammers, each strike resounding with fierce power!

Ripples surged outward, stirring the air like a translucent carpet alive with undulating waves.

Li Che stood in Mo City, arms outstretched and eyes blazing like lightning, radiating an almost divine brilliance.

A fearsome aura emanated from him, like a smoldering, superheated divine iron forged in infernos, so intense it seemed to warp and shatter space.

Every acupoint on his body glowed as seven swirling vortices, formed of golden blood energy, spanned his back along his spine, emitting a dazzling radiance.

Each vortex brimmed with terrifying, layered power as if accumulating like steps in a vast, escalating force.

Much like the vital nodal points along a body’s meridians, each blockade accumulated energy until it reached an almost unimaginable magnitude.

And the more blocks there were, the more devastating the explosion when the chains finally broke free!

BOOM!!!

The combined radiance of the seven blood energy vortices surged together.

Li Che felt as though he had transformed into a colossal lamp of billions of watts, his brilliance impossible to contain even for a moment.

If he dared to unleash this light in Divine Capital, its radiance would bathe the entire city.

CRACK! CRACK! Cracks marred the surface of his flesh, resembling the shattering fissures of delicate porcelain.

His physical body could not bear the overwhelming surge of power released after opening his seventh gate.

Transferring the seven divine seeds into the acupoint of his meridian was no longer a secret art.

To Li Che, it now symbolized an extraordinary form of Dao induction.

It had evolved into the pinnacle of pure martial techniques!

Yet even with a body refined to 90% pure martial essence, the shock was nearly too much to withstand—showing just how fearsome transferring the seven seeds truly was!

Li Che labored with every breath.

At that moment, he had only managed to infuse the seventh divine seed into his meridian, harnessing its power. Fully igniting it like the others remained a daunting challenge.

The difficulty was immense.

In fact, it was nearly unachievable.

It was akin to having a pack of explosives ready with the fuse set, yet lacking the spark to ignite them.

Primarily, his body couldn’t bear the strain—even the aid of a Dragon Elephant Vajra Dao Fruit wasn’t enough to meet the explosive threshold for seven seeds.

“My body is simply too fragile, and moreover, my cultivation is only at the second stage of Qi Hai Martial Saint. I’m far from ready…”

Li Che mused that to fully detonate the seven seeds, his body might need to reach the third stage of the Martial Saint realm…

or perhaps even the apex of the fourth stage!

His eyes glittered as he acknowledged that even with his rapid cultivation, advancing beyond the Martial Saint level was an uphill battle.

Beyond Martial Saint, the path grew far steeper than he had imagined.

Unlike the Spiritual Confiners who could simply absorb souls to level up, he had no such shortcut.

“But—if I manage to ignite all seven seeds, could I possibly challenge the half-step Divine Calamity of Dao Essence Catastrophe Force?”

A spark of anticipation and daring shone in Li Che’s eyes.

Inhaling and exhaling deeply, ferocious winds began to howl as chaotic currents swirled.

His eyes narrowed and then opened wider as his aura gradually consolidated, the overwhelming might drawing back.

Golden blood energy cooled and settled, flowing slowly through his meridians like a placid, untroubled stream.

“The seventh gate—the eightfold divine seed—it’s only a matter of time!”

Li Che’s gaze burned with determination.

When the seven divine seeds ignited simultaneously, even if only for a fleeting moment, Li Che believed he’d stand a chance against even the top-tier Grand Inspector lined up at Heavenly Gate One.

As for igniting all eight seeds…

That dazzling eruption might even be powerful enough to slay a Martial God!

The realm above Martial God was shrouded in mystery, something Li Che barely understood.

Without a proper benchmark, he could only speculate in his mind—but he never overestimated his own abilities.

Keeping his expectations modest was the only way to maintain steady progress.

In this chaotic world, protecting his wife and daughter meant treading carefully.

Caution was never a mistake—as long as he lived, he could never be defeated!

For a whole month, Li Che trained in Mo City, channeling the feedback from sudden insights into tangible martial growth.

His divine seed martial arts soared to a transformative realm.

The Six Desires to Eradicate Evil Lü Xuan Pure Yang Sword Technique was especially integrated into the seventh acupoint of his eightfold divine seed.

The gains were enormous!

Li Che’s eyes flashed as above his head, a pure martial Qi Sea Golden Pool emerged. What began as a mere hundred-foot pool…

expanded once more to reach a thousand feet!

Roaring with blood energy, an immense Qi sea phenomenon unleashed overhead, almost eclipsing the heavens.

A thousand-foot golden pool!

This was the result of a month of grueling training and sudden breakthroughs!

“Time to prepare and settle accounts with that enigmatic Golden Buddha Temple in Divine Capital…”

Li Che changed into a pristine black brocade robe, handmade by his wife Zhang Ya. Sensing his fondness for it, Zhang Ya had even stitched a few extra pieces with varying patterns.

The fitted robe, coupled with Li Che’s radiant gaze that hinted at an awe-inspiring inner authority, lent him an air of imperious command even without anger.

At that moment, an all-encompassing black rain began to lash the sky.

In an instant, Li Che vanished from sight.

When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself back inside a residence in Qianyuan Courtyard, Fourth City of Divine Capital.

BOOM!!!

Only moments after returning, Li Che sensed something was amiss.

The air suddenly rippled; the heavens and earth grew oppressively heavy, as if even the very essence of space was aware of the seventh divine seed within his spine, unleashing an unprecedented malevolence!

It was as if the cosmic will sought to erase this defiance from existence!

BOOM!!!

His blood energy burst forth from every acupoint, raging in a defiant outcry!

Almost simultaneously, the seven divine seeds shone with brilliant light, reminiscent of seven fierce suns—an awe-inspiring spectacle of radiance!

His spine groaned under an unbearable strain, threatening to twist and shatter. The seed he had just infused seemed ready to be torn apart by the sheer force of the cosmic will.

A hint of astonishment flickered in Li Che’s eyes.

“I completed the infusion of the seventh divine seed in Mo City, but Mo City isn’t like these open heavens—it’s akin to an isolated haven, severed from the cosmic flow. That’s why, upon my return, I triggered the attention and suppression of the cosmic will!”

His thoughts raced as he pieced together the cause.

A sudden realization dawned on him.

BOOM!

A surreal phenomenon lit up the sky!

But Li Che quickly countered it by activating the isolating power of the Cosmic Chessboard. Concealing his aura and, with the strength of the Sleeping Dragon Elephant, he reined in his energy completely.

Still, that brief anomaly managed to alert many within Qianyuan Courtyard.

In that instant, Li Che detected a formidable aura racing towards him.

“If I were to infuse all eight divine seeds—even with the Cosmic Chessboard’s protection—it might not sever my connection to that mysterious cosmic will…”

“Could that then be the nature of the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations?”

A stirring understanding gripped Li Che as he perceived the true horror emanating from the cosmic will.

Divine Calamity—Martial God—

His eyes shone with a fierce gleam.

Could triggering all eight divine seeds finally allow him to grasp a realm beyond Martial Saint?

“No… that won’t do—only a body of pure martial essence can withstand it. So perhaps it’s not entirely akin to a normal Martial God?”

Li Che pondered, though having never truly delved into the Martial God realm, he couldn’t be certain.

Yet his intuition insisted that mastering the eightfold method to overcome the tribulations was no ordinary feat.

Within his chest, the rhythm of the Chess Sage Dao Fruit pulsed, as if engaged in a silent battle with the cosmos.

Li Che brushed the dust off his Mo robe and slowly opened the portal he had sealed for a month.

The creaking echoed through the still air.

Soon, long-missed sunlight poured through the opening, and Li Che squinted against its glow.

Outside in the courtyard,

a stream of figures had already gathered, waiting anxiously.

Li Che immediately spotted his wife Zhang Ya. Zhang Ya stood on tiptoe, eyes wide with anticipation as she held little XiXi’s hand. XiXi, also on tiptoes, gazed up eagerly.

Mother and daughter mirrored one another in wonder.

Li Che couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming sight.

Along with his expectant family, the venerable Patriarch Lü Taibai and the esteemed Elder Zhao Fangzhou were present.

Seeing Li Che emerge safely from his chamber, everyone exhaled in relief.

Even Lü Taibai, ever watchful, worried that Li Che might become so immersed in training that he’d miss the legendary Paotao Tournament.

Though Li Che’s current strength hardly needed the Tournament as validation, free Paotao were always too good to pass up—it would mean an enormous gain.

Of course, even if Li Che joined the Heroes Tournament, there was no guarantee of victory and capturing that nine-thousand-year Paotao, but at least hope existed.

Even Lü Taibai, in his prime, never clinched the Tournament title.

In fact, throughout the history of Qianyuan Divine Sect, few heroes ever managed to win the Tournament.

Because the Purple Mansion Divine Sect—traditionally the top sect of Dajing—would send only three participants; yet almost always, one would break into the top three or even claim victory!

There had even been cases where the three fledgling dragons and three heroes from Purple Mansion swept the top ranks in both tournaments.

Lü Taibai believed that Li Che’s prowess this year was truly fearsome…

If Li Che revealed his martial prowess, winning the Tournament might well be within reach.

The wind whipped and the Mo robe fluttered gracefully as Li Che stepped out with a gentle smile.

At once, XiXi’s eyes lit up. Breaking free from Zhang Ya’s hand, she sprinted towards him and dove into his arms!

“Daddy!”

XiXi’s bright eyes shone with joy.

After a month apart—unlike any separation in her life—she embraced him eagerly.

Li Che ruffled XiXi’s head gently, his gaze tender.

Protecting his wife and daughter was his unwavering resolve; indeed, his martial will was founded upon this very promise. “Didn’t you promise, XiXi, that you’d secure a longevity-granting Paotao for your mother at the Tournament?”

Li Che laughed warmly.

At his words, determination lit up in XiXi’s eyes!

“Don’t worry, Daddy. I haven’t slacked off. I’ve been training hard every day! Now I’m fully steady in my Grandmaster cultivation!”

“With the help of every strike and every brick, my Divine Guts have grown mightier than ever. I’m fearsome now!”

XiXi declared earnestly.

To prove it, her chubby little fingers unleashed a flurry of Divine Guts that burst out like a wild barrage.

Hearing this, Li Che couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Lü Taibai’s silver hair flew as he inquired, “Li Che, have you made any breakthroughs in the Divine Condor Technique?”

After a moment’s thought, Li Che nodded and replied frankly, “During the Special Guest Official Assessment, I received guidance from the Grand Inspector. I’ve gained some insights and, upon returning, went into seclusion—clearing the path to challenge the Divine Condor Saint’s realm.”

“I’m nearly ninety percent sure I can prove myself as a Dao Saint.”

Li Che smiled.

Lü Taibai and Zhao Fangzhou’s eyes gleamed in unison.

Ninety percent sure!

That wasn’t just a chance—it was a guarantee!

Victory was inevitable!

If Qianyuan Divine Sect could produce a Divine Condor Saint under his hand, it might recapture its former glory!

Once, Tian Dan Divine Sect excelled in divine pills, Seven Treasure Divine Sect in divine weapons, and Xuanfu Divine Sect in divine talismans; Qianyuan Divine Sect specialized in the Divine Condor!

But later, Qianyuan’s Divine Condor art fell into decline as the Xiao Lingyin Temple usurped its place,

dealing a heavy blow to Qianyuan’s vital energy.

Lü Taibai swept his sleeves dramatically, his eyes alight with fervor.

He trusted that Li Che was no one who acted without purpose. If Li Che was ninety percent sure, then his confidence was well-founded!

Lü Taibai laughed heartily—Qianyuan Divine Sect was destined to grow stronger under Li Che’s guidance!

“By the way, the patriarch of True Martial Divine Sect, Shi Jian, has been waiting for you. He’s been outside for over a month.”

Lü Taibai remarked.

At those words, Li Che raised an eyebrow, already aware of the true purpose behind Shi Jian’s visit.

“He wants that mechanical contraption from XiXi’s hands?”

Lü Taibai nodded. “That device—” But it’s really up to you. The warriors from True Martial Divine Sect, though labeled a sect, operate much like a military unit.

They are stationed at the front of Tongyou Road at True Martial Mountain, holding back the millions of barbaric soldiers of Da Li.

“If Da Li were ever truly to fall to Dajing, True Martial Divine Sect would have been obliterated long before Dajing’s downfall.”

Li Che mused, “True Martial Divine Sect is a sect—must they really pledge to guard the nation to the death?”

Lü Taibai shook his head. “I once honed my skills along Tongyou Road and visited True Martial Divine Sect. Their founding patriarch decreed that no matter which Central Plains dynasty stood, they would resolutely block the barbaric invaders and never let their iron cavalry tread the land.”

“They have never guarded Dajing; even during the eras of the Great Yue or the Great Sui, True Martial Divine Sect has always remained—steadfast behind True Martial Mountain, protecting over seventy-three thousand households along Tongyou Road.”

Lü Taibai’s tone carried a note of admiration.

Li Che felt a surge of respect at the thought.

“The founding patriarch of True Martial Divine Sect swore such an oath. Now that is a man of substance,” Li Che praised.

Li Che admired him sincerely.

Lü Taibai glanced at Li Che with a gentle smile, “To establish a sect is no trivial feat; every founder of a great sect has been a legendary figure in his own right.”

Li Che then encountered Shi Jian, the sizeable, broad-shouldered leader of True Martial Divine Sect, whose fierce eyes and menacing aura betrayed his battlefield experience at the frontier.

Yet now this top-tier warrior, ranked fourth at Heavenly Gate and notorious for his ruthless efficiency, fumbled nervously as he rubbed his hands together.

His eyes betrayed both bashfulness and anticipation as he looked up at Li Che.

“Li Bansheng—no, Li Te Deng—could you possibly produce a few more of that mechanism from XiXi’s hands for our True Martial disciples?”

The might of the Xiangong Gatling was no longer trivial; even against a Martial Saint, its combination with Black and White Collapse and Great Avalanche was severely threatening.

Indeed, when a Grandmaster was equipped with a Xiangong Gatling, it leveled the playing field against even the strongest opponents.

In effect, a Grandmaster armed with the Xiangong Gatling could match the power of another Grandmaster head-on.

That was a game changer indeed.

“The mechanism in XiXi’s hands was a gift from a dear friend—but given my current mastery of Divine Condor Technique and my research into mechanisms, replicating it is not particularly difficult.”

“How many does Principal Shi require?”

Li Che’s face exuded a warm, gentle aura—as soothing as a spring breeze.

Shi Jian hadn’t expected Li Che to leave the decision in his hands, and for a moment he felt a headache coming on.

After hesitating, he finally said, “One hundred units?”

“One hundred units—meaning one hundred Grandmasters capable of countering one hundred elite adversaries!”

Though a battlefield rarely operated by such neat calculations, it was a fair estimate.

Li Che laughed. His ability to replicate the Painted Immortal Dao Fruit had improved dramatically, and his Painted Immortal Clones endured far longer.

While he might not be able to duplicate Black and White Collapse or Great Avalanche Guanyin Lotus Bomb in large numbers, the Xiangong Gatling was another matter entirely.

The Xiangong Gatling posed no replication issues.

“True Martial Divine Sect—”

Li Che cast a glance at Shi Jian.

Lü Taibai had fought alongside True Martial’s warriors against many Da Li elites over the years.

The key battle records set by the Grand Inspector and the Heavenly Gate defenses were confined to Dajing’s borders.

Though Da Li’s overall strength paled in comparison to Dajing’s, and it was suppressed by Witch God Mountain, it still boasted numerous top-tier fighters—comparable in strength to the Grand Inspector, and undoubtedly a true force of calamity.

For generations, True Martial Divine Sect had guarded the nation, defending over seventy thousand commoners along Tongyou Road to the death.

Li Che couldn’t help but feel deep admiration.

Their aim was to forge a strong bond of goodwill.

In this perilous world, with family to protect, one had to tread as if on thin ice.

With many friends, there were always multiple paths—

unless one turned everyone into a Spiritual Confinement. After all, having many friends was far better than having many foes.

“One thousand units, plus a stockpile of one hundred thousand Muduya Bullets—”

“For this first time, consider it a token of my respect for True Martial Divine Sect’s steadfast vow to protect seventy thousand souls. In the future, every year, your sect may send representatives to Qianyuan Divine Sect to maintain and purchase new mechanisms along with Muduya Bullets.”

Li Che explained.

“Muduya Bullets are consumables, and mechanisms do wear out. They’ll need repairs and maintenance. Of course, if True Martial Divine Sect can bring in a master of mechanisms for repairs, that would be ideal.”

Li Che’s words stirred Shi Jian so deeply that he sprang to his feet, his eyes gleaming and his intense, scarlet-gold blood energy nearly bursting in defiance.

Scarlet-gold blood energy… True Martial?

Straddling the realms between divine and pure martial, True Martial wasn’t as pure as the latter nor did it rely heavily on divine power—

it was the balanced martial way crafted by the founding patriarch of True Martial Divine Sect.

In earlier days, Li Che would have been intrigued, but now that he had cultivated into a Pure Martial Martial Saint, True Martial no longer captivated him.

“Thank you, Li Te Deng!”

“I, Shi Jian, on behalf of the tens of thousands of disciples at True Martial Divine Sect, thank you for your generosity!”

Li Che waved his hand with a smile, then began discussing the arrangements for the mechanisms and Muduya Bullets with Shi Jian.

“Once the Paotao Tournament concludes, consider these mechanisms and Muduya Bullets yours.”

Shi Jian left, visibly content.

Over the next month, the entire Divine Capital underwent tremendous changes.

The bustling city became even livelier, as martial artists from the Eleven Routes of Dajing poured in.

Guesthouses in Divine Capital became so overbooked that securing a room was nearly impossible and cost a fortune.

With the official start of the Paotao Tournament drawing closer, anticipation soared.

Clang, clang.

Spring rain fell continuously, caressing the willows lining the streets.

A luxurious carriage emblazoned with the character “Qin” crashed through the rain, its wheels splashing through puddles as onlookers trembled between awe and fear along the spacious Long Street.

It was the carriage of the Imperial Watch; after all, Divine Capital housed the Imperial Watch Headquarters. Only those of high rank in the Imperial Watch could ride such a carriage in the city.

Inside the carriage, as the curtain slowly lifted, little XiXi peeked out.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a radiant smile lit up her face.

At last, Emperor XiXi had another chance to venture out!

Since arriving in Divine Capital, she had been confined to Qianyuan Courtyard, forbidden from going anywhere.

Within the Courtyard, it was nothing but training—until the pre-banquet began, when a few could enter Xi Wangmu’s Temple to battle opponents.

But once XiXi qualified for the main banquet, she could no longer enter Xi Wangmu’s Temple, and life became rather dull.

Each day, she could only spar with old friends like Lü Qingxuan, Yang Yi, Jin Taisui, and Zhou Peng.

After too many bouts, even Emperor XiXi began to feel apologetic.

But today, Daddy had promised to take her to the Imperial Watch!

Overjoyed, XiXi trembled with excitement—her little body alight with exhilaration. Like a country girl seeing a bustling metropolis for the first time, every so often she gasped in wonder.

Driver Nie Yang led the carriage while Li Chengzhou trailed quietly behind. Now that Li Chengzhou had made some progress in swordsmanship—perhaps pressured by always being with XiXi—his skill had grown rapidly.

Now, Li Chengzhou poured every effort into his training, capable of erupting into Grandmaster-level power.

One must remember—Li Chengzhou did not possess the rare talent that XiXi had.

Under countless solemn and respectful gazes, the luxurious carriage exited Fourth City and entered Divine Capital’s Third City.

After passing through the route cleared by the Imperial Decree, the carriage moved through Second City unimpeded, until it finally stopped before the octagonal, double-eaved, dripping Imperial Watch Tower.

Divine Capital’s Second City was notably serene. Its streets, rarely trodden by commoners, were inhabited by only the prestigious and influential.

The only vehicles visible were the elegant, official carriages.

When the carriage halted before the ninety-nine-step White Jade Stairway of the Imperial Watch,

a splendid carriage was already waiting.

It seemed that the attendant had seen Li Che’s carriage arrive. Perched atop was a young attendant dressed in a blue robe, humbly dismounting and shuffling forward with small, rapid steps.

It was unmistakably the attendant from the First City’s Imperial Palace Temple.

“But surely this is Li Te Deng’s vehicle?”

The attendant spoke politely, lacking the arrogance that Han Sixi once displayed.

Yet, this young attendant was no match for the veteran Han Sixi of Heavenly Gate.

“What is your business?”

From within the carriage, Li Che asked coolly.

His voice drifted out.

The attendant bowed even more respectfully, “I am a humble servant of Prince Mo Xia, dispatched by His Highness to invite you to visit the Prince’s residence.”

“Prince?”

Li Che raised an eyebrow at the mention.

“The Prince—

the one who, despite living through two cycles without being named Crown Prince, now sends someone to the Imperial Watch to secure your allegiance as a bargaining chip in the bid for the throne?”

He mused. Clearly, an Imperial Watch Special Guest Official had enough clout to be such a prize.

Yet to use a mere attendant for this endeavor stank of royal arrogance.

Li Che replied kindly, “Please convey my gratitude to the Prince for his invitation. However, with the Paotao Tournament imminent, I must focus on training to win a longevity-granting Paotao for my wife.”

The attendant’s eyes widened in surprise—Li Che’s words were a clear refusal.

As the carriage curtain lifted, Li Che took XiXi’s hand and stepped down.

The attendant opened his mouth to speak but, noticing Li Che’s lack of further response, watched as father and daughter ascended the White Jade Stairway, heading toward the Imperial Watch Tower.

The attendant pursed his lips, resigned, and returned to report his failure.

The spring rain fell softly, as fine as cow hair—cool and refreshing against the skin.

Without even an umbrella for XiXi, father and daughter strolled in the gentle rain toward the Imperial Watch Tower.

Today, Li Che had brought XiXi along—not only to test the training quarters but also to seek out the Grand Inspector, in hopes of resolving the lingering Yulian Fire within XiXi’s brow, a ticking time bomb.

Before the Imperial Watch Tower, the gate was sealed.

Li Che withdrew the Imperial Decree. Instantly, seven divine seals spun at high speed atop it.

Click-clack went the divine seals as they embedded into the gate, triggering an intricate formation of interlaced seals, unleashing a torrent of divine energy.

Slowly, the gate creaked open.

As soon as the gate opened, the Grand Inspector Fang Shangzhen—dressed in a broad, billowing white Taoist robe—was already waiting.

“Li Te Deng, it’s rare that you pay us a visit,” he said with a smile.

“I heard that after returning to Qianyuan Courtyard you entered seclusion. It seems the guidance from the Grand Inspector was quite transformative. Perhaps in the future, we might see you ascend to the rank of Great Guest Official?”

Fang Shangzhen smiled warmly.

Then his gaze shifted directly to XiXi, lighting up instantly.

“Grand Inspector, this is my daughter, XiXi,” Li Che introduced with a smile.

“XiXi, this is the esteemed Grand Inspector of the Imperial Watch—a person of noble character and formidable strength—

At these words, XiXi’s eyes shimmered and, beaming, she exclaimed, “Sister Grand Inspector!”

Li Che paused in surprise.

Grand Inspector Fang Shangzhen blinked in astonishment before his smile grew even broader.

He covered his mouth pleasantly, “So sharp of tongue! My brother mentioned in his letter how clever you are—I wasn’t exaggerating.”

XiXi’s brows furrowed slightly.

Li Che gently ruffled XiXi’s hair, “Grand Inspector Fang’s brother is none other than our sect’s Elder. You’re well acquainted, aren’t you?”

XiXi’s chubby face quivered in astonishment.

“What?!”

The realization hit her—could it be the sister of the Lord of the Demon Lair?!

Seeing XiXi’s stunned expression, Li Che couldn’t help but laugh.

The three then entered the Imperial Watch, intent on heading straight for the training quarters.

However—

Rumble, rumble, BOOM!!!

As Li Che and XiXi reached the circular stairs at the center of the Imperial Watch,

the entire structure abruptly began to shake!

Boom, boom, boom!

Strands of white divine light started streaming in torrents, cascading around XiXi like shimmering veils.

Her little skirt spun wildly, and her hair danced in the wind.

Enveloped by the radiant glow, she looked almost like an ethereal sprite.

Such a surreal scene startled Li Che.

What was happening?

Why were these streams of white divine energy suddenly encircling XiXi?

Alarmed, Li Che gripped XiXi’s hand tightly, his expression turning grave.

Grand Inspector Fang Shangzhen’s face mirrored his shock—this had never happened at the Imperial Watch before.

What could be unfolding?!

Then, as the mingling divine energies coalesced, they transformed into a pair of double pupils.

The twin, penetrating eyes swept over the surroundings.

Finally, they rested upon XiXi.

XiXi tilted her head, locking eyes with the mysterious double pupils.

The divine double pupils throbbed violently in that moment before shattering with a thunderous crack.

As the shards exploded,

Fang Shangzhen heard a resounding, urgent announcement echo throughout the Imperial Watch Tower: “Distinguished guest has arrived!”

“I am returning!”

“Quickly, bring me to the ninth floor!”